Bridging the Gap: Broadband Investments as Catalysts for Climate Action

By Christine Hallquist, Vermont Community Broadband Board and Tee Thomas, Quantified Ventures


Annabel Cryan of Quantified Ventures contributed to this blog
A version of this piece also appeared in VTDigger

In an era where the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, the need for innovative solutions has never been more pressing.

While the connection between broadband investments and climate change may not be immediately apparent, a closer look reveals a powerful nexus between the two areas. Without substantial investments in broadband infrastructure, every single dollar that the United States is investing in renewable energy, transportation, and “smart grid” infrastructure is limited to connected, urban and suburban areas and missing an opportunity for nationwide impact.

Image from the MEI report “Broadband Use and Energy Efficiency: Facilitating Emissions Reductions”

As a firm dedicated to driving finance toward climate mitigation and adaptation, Quantified Ventures (QV) is working with partners in the Vermont broadband sector to scale up the infrastructure to ensure that climate change mitigation efforts can be widespread, equitable, and incorporate rural communities. Admittedly, for QV, the opportunity to work with Christine Hallquist and the Vermont Community Broadband Board is a huge draw. And as we dig deeper into the work, we increasingly find parallels between broadband and other critical climate justice investments.

In this blog, we will explore how investments in broadband infrastructure can play a pivotal role in addressing climate change and fostering sustainable development.

Smart Infrastructure and Energy Efficiency

Investments in broadband are critical to paving the way for the development of smart infrastructure and expanded energy efficiency. Smart grids, enabled by broadband connectivity, allow for real-time monitoring and management of energy consumption. This enables utilities to optimize energy distribution, reduce waste, and integrate renewable energy sources more effectively.

By promoting energy efficiency, broadband investments directly contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This has immediate implications for energy utilities and the water sector, specifically relative to the further embrace of smart technology, the ability to address staffing shortages, and conservation practices.

Without fiber optic broadband connections, it is not possible to decarbonize the energy sector. Here’s why:

• We have to increase renewable energy at least seven-fold to fully transition our entire energy portfolio from fossil fuels. The problem is that the sun does not shine, and the wind does not blow all the time. Most of the time, renewable generation from wind and solar does not match the load. We cannot tie our energy usage directly to supply.

• Therefore, we need to add energy storage to the grid. Energy storage is still quite expensive and has its own set of environmental challenges. Energy storage alone should not be viewed as the “magic bullet.” It is just part of the solution.

• We need to couple renewable energy with storage and manage the relationship between supply and demand with an extremely responsive, highly reliable telecommunications network. That network requires fiber optic communications between the electric grid and the plug load (i.e., electric vehicles, heating, air conditioning, and other high demand electrical consumers). This is what is defined as the smart grid.

 In short, a greener, more sustainable future is an amalgam of more renewables, enhanced energy storage, and fiber optic broadband that seamlessly stitches together renewables and energy storage.

 Electric Vehicles and the Smart Grid

Fast charging of electric vehicles creates strain on electrical networks requiring rapid grid response. This responsiveness can only be achieved through fiber optic networks. Expansive fiber optic broadband cable networks also can result in more efficient use of the electric grid to manage supply and demand in real time, allowing for a more reliable system. An extremely responsive and highly reliable telecommunications network is based on dependable fiber optic communications between electric grid and high demand electrical consumers like electric vehicles.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the smart grid is an electricity network that uses digital technologies, sensors, and software to better match the supply and demand of electricity in real time while minimizing costs and maintaining the stability and reliability of the grid. The nationwide push for more electric vehicles and investment in EV infrastructure must be coupled with broadband investments to ensure that the infrastructure is reliable, responsive, and eases consumer adoption.

Precision Agriculture and Sustainable Practices

In the agricultural sector, broadband connectivity is a game-changer. Precision agriculture, facilitated by high-speed internet access, enables farmers to deploy technology-driven solutions for optimal resource management. This includes precision irrigation, crop monitoring, and data-driven decision making. 

By embracing sustainable farming practices made possible by broadband, the agricultural sector can reduce its environmental footprint, conserve water, and contribute to climate resilience.

Remote Work and Telecommuting

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote work, highlighting the importance of robust broadband infrastructure. As more people work from home, the demand for high-speed internet has surged. By facilitating remote work and reducing the need for daily commutes, broadband helps decrease carbon emissions associated with transportation. A well-established broadband network empowers individuals and businesses to contribute to climate change mitigation by embracing flexible work arrangements.

E-Learning and Environmental Education

As education becomes increasingly digital, broadband plays a crucial role in providing access to educational resources. Through e-learning platforms, individuals can access environmental education and awareness programs. A well-informed public is more likely to support and engage in sustainable practices, leading to a collective effort toward reducing carbon emissions. Broadband investments thus become a catalyst for environmental education and awareness.

A More Sustainable Future

The connection between broadband investments and climate change is multi-faceted. By promoting remote work, enabling smart infrastructure, fostering sustainable agriculture, supporting environmental education, and facilitating vehicle and appliance electrification, broadband is a crucial tool in our collective efforts to address climate change.

As we invest in building resilient and high-speed broadband networks, we are not just connecting people; we are building a foundation for a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.